8 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Sale

blog post June 6, 2018

When it comes to prepping your home for sale, inner and outer beauty are equally important. You were likely influenced by several factors when you bought your home, including that first impression. As a seller, it’s important to remember that and pull out all the stops to make your home as attractive as possible to homebuyers. Applying these tips will get your home open house-ready sale and impress homebuyers.

Let’s start with the exterior:

Maximize Curb AppealWhen homebuyers pull up to your property, the first thing they will notice is the quality of your landscaping. First impressions are critical, so make sure your yard is in tip-top shape by mowing the lawn, pruning and hedging the bushes, weeding the garden, and planting vibrant flowers.

Keep the Outside CleanTake a lap around your house, especially now that it’s summer, and you’ll notice there are a lot of items to clean up. At the very least, clean the gutters, and remove stains by pressure washing the siding, patio, and deck. Put toys away, cover the grill, and sweep any dirt or debris from your walkway and porch.

Invest in RepairsBuyers can spot defects from a mile away, so ensure that your home is in the best condition. Budget for repairs to fix broken windows, roof leaks, and Concrete porches that can settle, leaving large cracks or crumbled areas.

Welcome People Into Your HomeGive the front door a makeover so that buyers will want to open it and see what’s inside. According to Zillow, paint color should definitely be a change you consider. Choosing a color that contrasts with the home will make the front door stand out. Replace faded or worn and torn address numbers, and lay down a new welcome mat.

Now let’s move on to the interior:

Deep Clean Your HomeKeeping your home clean for a showing is paramount. Dust, scrub, and buff every surface until they sparkle and shine. Beyond that, address the more serious eyesores created by repairs. Let’s say you fixed a leak coming from the toilet, but the water that dripped left a stain on the kitchen ceiling. You’ll do best to have the ceiling painted before putting your house on the market.

Depersonalize
Sellers can go overboard by trying to create a homey feeling. Less is more here. Buyers want to imagine their belongings in your home, and you can help them by clearing out photos, extra furniture and other personal items that would otherwise make them feel like strangers.

Remove PetsIt’s tough for me to say, since I’m such a dog-lover, but dogs, cats or other pets should not be within eye or earshot of a showing. Remove them from the house, or keep them confined to a less trafficked space.

Fill the Air With Good AromasPlease all the home buyer’s senses, including smell. Put out fresh flowers and bake cookies. Serving cookies can get the visitors to stop and interact with the REALTOR® or seller.